July 8, 2024: Weekly Newsletter

Friends,

Due to Hurricane Beryl, our district offices are closed today to allow our staff to care for their families and prepare to assist in the potential aftermath of the storm. We urge you to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your loved ones and property. Below are some important resources to help you stay informed and prepared:

National Hurricane Center: For the latest updates on Hurricane Beryl, visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov

City and County Emergency Management Offices: Stay connected with your local emergency management office for specific instructions and updates.

National Weather Service Corpus Christi: Follow their updates on Facebook or visit https://www.weather.gov/crp/

Texas Hurricane Center: Access comprehensive resources and preparation guidelines at https://gov.texas.gov/hurricane

Please follow the advice of local authorities and stay connected with trusted sources of information and keep your emergency supplies ready. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe during this time. We will keep you updated on any further developments and look forward to resuming our constituent services as soon as it is safe to do so.

In my recent op-ed for the Daily Caller, I outlined why it's time to eradicate divisive “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) programs from our government. These programs, often disguised as noble efforts, actually foster division and resentment by prioritizing identity traits over individual abilities and achievements.

From NASA to the U.S. Army, DEI mandates have infiltrated federal agencies, promoting ideological division and undermining the principle of merit. This misuse of taxpayer money not only burdens us financially but also institutionalizes discriminatory practices.

That's why Senator J.D. Vance and I introduced the Dismantle DEI Act. This bill would put an end to all DEI-related programs and policies within the federal government, ensuring that qualifications and hard work are what truly matter.

You can read my full op-ed here or listen to my podcast interview on The Daily Signal to learn more about our commitment to restoring fairness and opportunity for all Americans.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently declared gun violence a “public health crisis,” proposing extreme measures such as bans on carrying a firearm in public, gun confiscation, “assault weapons” bans, magazine capacity limits, storage requirements, and a national gun registry. These proposals threaten to nullify the Second Amendment and ignore the real issues our communities face.

The root cause of many societal issues is not firearms, but the breakdown of the family. With 18 million children living without a father in our country, we see higher rates of mental health issues and incarceration among these youth. Addressing these foundational issues should be our priority, not infringing on the rights of law-abiding Americans.

I urge my colleagues in the House to pass my bill, the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act. This bill would prevent the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from using emergencies or disasters as excuses to impose gun control measures and send a clear message to the Biden Administration that the American people will not tolerate this overreach. Let’s focus on real solutions that support family structures while upholding our constitutional rights.

It was a pleasure to invite Lola, the winner of this year's Congressional Art Competition, and her mom to Washington, D.C., to celebrate her outstanding achievement. Lola, this year’s winner for TX-27, created a stunning work of art titled “Western Setting” (pictured below), which will be proudly displayed in the United States Capitol Cannon tunnel for the next year. Her artwork stood out among many impressive submissions, showcasing not only her technical skill but also a profound sense of expression. During her visit, Lola and her mom enjoyed a tour of the Capitol, where she could see firsthand the heart of our nation's legislative process.

The Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school art contest organized by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, provides students with an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. Winning artworks from each district are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. This competition is a great way to encourage and recognize the artistic achievements of young constituents and foster an appreciation for the arts within our local community.

I joined Tony Perkins on Washington Watch to talk about the growing threat from China and the importance of ensuring America’s military readiness. Take a listen:

God Bless,

Rep. Michael Cloud

Member of Congress

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